February The Fifth - A Wonderful Farce
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Book Reviews
February to April - A good time for reading.
By Ptolemy-12c
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: February The Fifth (The Glothic Tales) (Kindle Edition)
Really, this book is entertaining, full of fun, and its ending is endearing. You will love the characters. Some of the punchy dialogues sound out musical tones when you read them at the right beat. I lost my father coincident with starting to read this book, and the story begins with exactly that event for the protagonist. This lovely, entertaining book helped me by taking me into another world each time it opened in my tablet.
By Ptolemy-12c
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: February The Fifth (The Glothic Tales) (Kindle Edition)
Really, this book is entertaining, full of fun, and its ending is endearing. You will love the characters. Some of the punchy dialogues sound out musical tones when you read them at the right beat. I lost my father coincident with starting to read this book, and the story begins with exactly that event for the protagonist. This lovely, entertaining book helped me by taking me into another world each time it opened in my tablet.
5.0 out of 5 stars
By Vincent
February The Fifth by Derek Haines
This review is from: February The Fifth (Kindle)
This is the 1st book I have read written by Derek Haines and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Derek has a great sense of comic timing in this book and captures character extremely well. The twists and turns of the plot kept me reading right up to the last page.
I look forward to reading more of Derek's work.
By Vincent
February The Fifth by Derek Haines
This review is from: February The Fifth (Kindle)
This is the 1st book I have read written by Derek Haines and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Derek has a great sense of comic timing in this book and captures character extremely well. The twists and turns of the plot kept me reading right up to the last page.
I look forward to reading more of Derek's work.
By Debbi Mack
'February The Fifth': Doug Adams Meets Dan Brown -- Sorta
This review is from: February The Fifth (Paperback)
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away ... no, that's a whole 'nuther movie. This book takes place in the future. In a place that has no less than 12 sun systems. Twelve, as in the number of months in the calendar. Aha! The rulers of this empire comprised of the 12 sun systems are a Gregorian clan with names taken from said same calendar. Got that? :)
In other words, February the Fifth is a person. In fact, February is the person who ends up becoming successor as the new "Supreme Potentate," aka, leader of the empire after his father dies (or is he killed?) even though he is an ill-prepared, acne-plagued and fairly lazy, well, fool. The news of his dad's and brothers' deaths are delivered by a dour messenger with the most peculiar name of Snurd Humped. (More on him later.)
So, anyway, February goes to his lovely sisters -- April, May and June (what else?) -- for assistance. Lord knows, he can use it. Despite all indications to the contrary, Feb (for short) manages to rise to the occasion and take the oath properly. Through contact with a special orb, Feb is infused with leadership qualities. Hello? Things have changed.
Then things get really interesting when someone tries to, um, terminate Feb with extreme prejudice. (Yeah, another movie. I know, I know ...)
In fact, Feb and the sisters have to take it on the run. They bring along a couple of allies, including a fellow named Stringley, who's handy at tea making and backgammon, and the aforesaid dour messenger Snurd, whose lost his taste for his former bureaucratic post, I suppose.
Now ... what follows gets REALLY exciting. Big spaceships piloted by lizardlike creatures. But nice ones! Explosions as they're attacked. By their own people! Good grief! Running and hiding. Trips to strange new planets. Historical recountings. Understanding the family's roots.
To say too much here would reveal spoilers. Let's just say that the Catholic Church and the planet Earth are both key to the plot. Thus, Douglas Adams meets Dan Brown ... sorta. Except without albinos, the Louvre or the number 42. So, it's different. Really.
Derek Haines manages to deftly skewer political maneuvering and/or family dysfunction/backstabbing, while telling an exciting story about a hapless underachiever who's forced to suddenly grow up and take responsibility (aka, a coming-of-age story) by dealing with an insurrection.
Okay, so ... a few peccadilloes. Do I wish some double skips had been inserted between a few scenes, here and there? Sure. Could a few words have been sacrificed to editing? Sure. Did I read the book, anyway? Yes, absolutely! Why? Because I really loved it. The story grabbed me right away. It's a lighthearted, funny read with a serious point. A great combination.
And I laughed out loud many a time. But I'm a kid at heart, so I do that sort of thing.
Er, is it really a spoiler to say it ends well? I don't think so. To be more accurate, I'd say it pretty much does.
Posted by Debbi Mack
http://thebookgrrl.blogspot.com/2011/03/february-fifth-doug-adams-meets-dan.html
'February The Fifth': Doug Adams Meets Dan Brown -- Sorta
This review is from: February The Fifth (Paperback)
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away ... no, that's a whole 'nuther movie. This book takes place in the future. In a place that has no less than 12 sun systems. Twelve, as in the number of months in the calendar. Aha! The rulers of this empire comprised of the 12 sun systems are a Gregorian clan with names taken from said same calendar. Got that? :)
In other words, February the Fifth is a person. In fact, February is the person who ends up becoming successor as the new "Supreme Potentate," aka, leader of the empire after his father dies (or is he killed?) even though he is an ill-prepared, acne-plagued and fairly lazy, well, fool. The news of his dad's and brothers' deaths are delivered by a dour messenger with the most peculiar name of Snurd Humped. (More on him later.)
So, anyway, February goes to his lovely sisters -- April, May and June (what else?) -- for assistance. Lord knows, he can use it. Despite all indications to the contrary, Feb (for short) manages to rise to the occasion and take the oath properly. Through contact with a special orb, Feb is infused with leadership qualities. Hello? Things have changed.
Then things get really interesting when someone tries to, um, terminate Feb with extreme prejudice. (Yeah, another movie. I know, I know ...)
In fact, Feb and the sisters have to take it on the run. They bring along a couple of allies, including a fellow named Stringley, who's handy at tea making and backgammon, and the aforesaid dour messenger Snurd, whose lost his taste for his former bureaucratic post, I suppose.
Now ... what follows gets REALLY exciting. Big spaceships piloted by lizardlike creatures. But nice ones! Explosions as they're attacked. By their own people! Good grief! Running and hiding. Trips to strange new planets. Historical recountings. Understanding the family's roots.
To say too much here would reveal spoilers. Let's just say that the Catholic Church and the planet Earth are both key to the plot. Thus, Douglas Adams meets Dan Brown ... sorta. Except without albinos, the Louvre or the number 42. So, it's different. Really.
Derek Haines manages to deftly skewer political maneuvering and/or family dysfunction/backstabbing, while telling an exciting story about a hapless underachiever who's forced to suddenly grow up and take responsibility (aka, a coming-of-age story) by dealing with an insurrection.
Okay, so ... a few peccadilloes. Do I wish some double skips had been inserted between a few scenes, here and there? Sure. Could a few words have been sacrificed to editing? Sure. Did I read the book, anyway? Yes, absolutely! Why? Because I really loved it. The story grabbed me right away. It's a lighthearted, funny read with a serious point. A great combination.
And I laughed out loud many a time. But I'm a kid at heart, so I do that sort of thing.
Er, is it really a spoiler to say it ends well? I don't think so. To be more accurate, I'd say it pretty much does.
Posted by Debbi Mack
http://thebookgrrl.blogspot.com/2011/03/february-fifth-doug-adams-meets-dan.html
5.0 out of 5 stars
Would rate it 42 if I could...
By Natalie
This review is from: February The Fifth (Paperback)
I really think this is the best Derek Haines book I have read so far. Would rate it 42 if I could...
I am not going to comment to much on the story, others are way better at it than me... Just giving you my personal overall opinion...
Derek Haines juggles with words, like others with balls. The mix of pythonesque and dry accuracy while describing the different characters is hilariously funny. And never boring, because short and precise, yet full of life.
Gloth and its history sounds so very familiar to any swiss person, that I came to think we might have inspired someone a wee bit, with all those laws and regulations, and dose boring pencil pushers etc....
The humoristic and imaginative narrative level is perfect for someone who likes well written, stories about humans in all their incarnations and states... because did we not all suffer from Acne once or twice...
And to those who think its just another Sci-Fi Novel I say: And the fab four where just another band...
February the fifth is like a song from Paul McCartney or a gag from Monty Python, it starts in one direction and leaves you in a totally different place, then you excepted. Love it!
So to You sir: I thank you deeply for bringing yourself and your work to my attention! This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship..
Would rate it 42 if I could...
By Natalie
This review is from: February The Fifth (Paperback)
I really think this is the best Derek Haines book I have read so far. Would rate it 42 if I could...
I am not going to comment to much on the story, others are way better at it than me... Just giving you my personal overall opinion...
Derek Haines juggles with words, like others with balls. The mix of pythonesque and dry accuracy while describing the different characters is hilariously funny. And never boring, because short and precise, yet full of life.
Gloth and its history sounds so very familiar to any swiss person, that I came to think we might have inspired someone a wee bit, with all those laws and regulations, and dose boring pencil pushers etc....
The humoristic and imaginative narrative level is perfect for someone who likes well written, stories about humans in all their incarnations and states... because did we not all suffer from Acne once or twice...
And to those who think its just another Sci-Fi Novel I say: And the fab four where just another band...
February the fifth is like a song from Paul McCartney or a gag from Monty Python, it starts in one direction and leaves you in a totally different place, then you excepted. Love it!
So to You sir: I thank you deeply for bringing yourself and your work to my attention! This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship..
4.0 out of 5 stars
By Eric
This review is for: February The Fifth
I wanted to do this without making comparisons to other books, I really did, but when it comes right down to it, my first impression of Derek Haines' new book February the Fifth is the one that stuck with me. February the Fifth is like The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy meets Sir Apropos of Nothing, which is to say, my kind of twisted.
You have the young fool who has no business being a success at anything, yet ends up being very important to the future of the Twelve Sun Systems of Gloth. You also have the Supreme Potentate more-or-less stealing a ship in order to find the truth on a distant and wholly unremarkable planet. And, just to make things interesting, several puns revolving around the Gregorian calendar. If you're anything like me, this all adds up to a fun and humorous story, perfect for making people question your sanity while you're giggling over it on the bus.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great read By tractid
This review is for: February The Fifth
I wasn't sure what I'd make of Derek Haines' new book as I don't normally 'do' Sci-fi. This wasn't an issue though as Derek has the ability to tell a really good story that carries you along without the genre taking over. His main character, Feb, is a rather unsavoury, lazy young man with no enthusiasm for anything yet Derek still manages to make him endearing. He tells the story of his sudden and unexpected rise to power, and it consequences, with his usual easy style of writing that is both enjoyable and funny. A great read.
5.0 out of 5 stars
By Steve Youngs
This review is from: February The Fifth (Paperback)
A thoroughly entertaining book. I enjoyed every single page. I'm actually quite a slow reader (was too lazy to learn to speed read) so a book this size would normally take me a good week to get through. Not this one. This one I got through in 2 sittings. It really was that good.
A science fiction mystery with good doses of humour thrown in. It is set in the distant future, a couple of million years into the future. The story even links back to a 16th century Pope, Pope Gregory XIII, no less (he's the guy that changed our calendar to what it is today, the Gregorian calendar).
I read a review somewhere that said that this story was aimed at young adults. Now whether or not that was Derek's intention, I don't know, all I can say is that I'm turning 45 this year and I loved it!
Derek Haines has definitely raised the bar with this story. I highly recommend this book. Go buy it! Read it! You'll love it.
By Steve Youngs
This review is from: February The Fifth (Paperback)
A thoroughly entertaining book. I enjoyed every single page. I'm actually quite a slow reader (was too lazy to learn to speed read) so a book this size would normally take me a good week to get through. Not this one. This one I got through in 2 sittings. It really was that good.
A science fiction mystery with good doses of humour thrown in. It is set in the distant future, a couple of million years into the future. The story even links back to a 16th century Pope, Pope Gregory XIII, no less (he's the guy that changed our calendar to what it is today, the Gregorian calendar).
I read a review somewhere that said that this story was aimed at young adults. Now whether or not that was Derek's intention, I don't know, all I can say is that I'm turning 45 this year and I loved it!
Derek Haines has definitely raised the bar with this story. I highly recommend this book. Go buy it! Read it! You'll love it.
A young fool becomes king and quickly discovers he has some very nasty enemies. Particularly the ones who are shooting at him.
In a remarkable turn of events, a young man with a lot definitely not going for him, somehow manages to come to terms with a startling reality. He has to grow up. Being handicapped by not only having rather nasty acne and an odd eye impediment, he also has to suffer the fact that his name is February. Or at best, Feb to his very limited number of friends.
While not at all wishing to rush into this startling new reality, circumstances and a few elbow nudges from his very protective elder sister ensure that his ‘not at all wishing’ turns out to be a complete waste of time. Thrust totally and altogether unwillingly into a position of authority by early afternoon, February finds himself with a new appendage tacked on to the end his name.
The Fifth. The new and very authoritative part of his name.
Of course, as is the case in all such rapid and thrusting types of promotion to positions of power, there will be those who are not happy about it. In February’s case however, he finds that in fact these those amount to just about everyone apart from his three sisters.
Undaunted by this reality, Feb accepts his new responsibility and by early evening sets about getting himself into a real tangle. His only true achievement being that he discovers that quite a few of these those who weren’t so happy, are in fact really very upset about the whole Fifth appendage deal. By bedtime, he thinks he is in trouble.
Before lunchtime the next day, he is sure.
Read the first chapter of February The Fifth.
In a remarkable turn of events, a young man with a lot definitely not going for him, somehow manages to come to terms with a startling reality. He has to grow up. Being handicapped by not only having rather nasty acne and an odd eye impediment, he also has to suffer the fact that his name is February. Or at best, Feb to his very limited number of friends.
While not at all wishing to rush into this startling new reality, circumstances and a few elbow nudges from his very protective elder sister ensure that his ‘not at all wishing’ turns out to be a complete waste of time. Thrust totally and altogether unwillingly into a position of authority by early afternoon, February finds himself with a new appendage tacked on to the end his name.
The Fifth. The new and very authoritative part of his name.
Of course, as is the case in all such rapid and thrusting types of promotion to positions of power, there will be those who are not happy about it. In February’s case however, he finds that in fact these those amount to just about everyone apart from his three sisters.
Undaunted by this reality, Feb accepts his new responsibility and by early evening sets about getting himself into a real tangle. His only true achievement being that he discovers that quite a few of these those who weren’t so happy, are in fact really very upset about the whole Fifth appendage deal. By bedtime, he thinks he is in trouble.
Before lunchtime the next day, he is sure.
Read the first chapter of February The Fifth.
More Reviews
By Nettie
February The Fifth by Derek Haines
This review is from: February The Fifth (Kindle)
I don’t like Terry Pratchett. There, I’ve said it. I find his books unfunny, smart-arsed and contrived. Reading one of his books is like being poked in the ribs by a five year old wanting to point out to you how clever he is. I know I am in the minority: the man sells books by the millions and the Sky TV adaptations of his work are heralded before the event and repeated ad infinitum afterwards. But his type of writing just isn’t for me which is why I began reading February The Fifth by Derek Haines with more than a little trepidation.
February The Fifth is about a young man, February Gregorian, who is the third in line to the throne of Gloth, an empire somewhere (and sometime) in the universe. When his father and two elder brothers are reported dead in mysterious circumstances, Feb has to grow up and shape up quickly as the future of Gloth and Gregorian rule is in his – so far – incapable hands.
Tradition has it that each member of the Gregorian Royal family takes the name of a month of the year, from the Gregorian calendar. At this point in the book I was almost going to stop reading and give it up as yet another contrived fantasy story.
And I would have been wrong. Very, very wrong.
While I still say that this genre of book isn’t really my favourite, Derek’s attention to plotting and characterisation soon had me hooked and I truly wanted to know what happened to Feb and his sisters, April, May & June. The friends that Feb made along the way were fun characters, even if the names like String and Snurd did irritate me. I liked Derek’s ideas about the ships Feb et al used to get around their universe and for long stretches it read like a comedy Sci Fi story – and a very good one at that.
If I were to give it a star rating, I’d find it really quite difficult. The genre makes me want to say 2* but the story itself probably deserves 4*.
On the whole I’d say I’d heartily recommend February The Fifth if you enjoy Terry Pratchett & Douglas Adams.
Review by Nettie
Link to Review
February The Fifth by Derek Haines
This review is from: February The Fifth (Kindle)
I don’t like Terry Pratchett. There, I’ve said it. I find his books unfunny, smart-arsed and contrived. Reading one of his books is like being poked in the ribs by a five year old wanting to point out to you how clever he is. I know I am in the minority: the man sells books by the millions and the Sky TV adaptations of his work are heralded before the event and repeated ad infinitum afterwards. But his type of writing just isn’t for me which is why I began reading February The Fifth by Derek Haines with more than a little trepidation.
February The Fifth is about a young man, February Gregorian, who is the third in line to the throne of Gloth, an empire somewhere (and sometime) in the universe. When his father and two elder brothers are reported dead in mysterious circumstances, Feb has to grow up and shape up quickly as the future of Gloth and Gregorian rule is in his – so far – incapable hands.
Tradition has it that each member of the Gregorian Royal family takes the name of a month of the year, from the Gregorian calendar. At this point in the book I was almost going to stop reading and give it up as yet another contrived fantasy story.
And I would have been wrong. Very, very wrong.
While I still say that this genre of book isn’t really my favourite, Derek’s attention to plotting and characterisation soon had me hooked and I truly wanted to know what happened to Feb and his sisters, April, May & June. The friends that Feb made along the way were fun characters, even if the names like String and Snurd did irritate me. I liked Derek’s ideas about the ships Feb et al used to get around their universe and for long stretches it read like a comedy Sci Fi story – and a very good one at that.
If I were to give it a star rating, I’d find it really quite difficult. The genre makes me want to say 2* but the story itself probably deserves 4*.
On the whole I’d say I’d heartily recommend February The Fifth if you enjoy Terry Pratchett & Douglas Adams.
Review by Nettie
Link to Review
5.0 out of 5 stars
Race through space with a charming young man
By i read alot - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: February The Fifth (The Glothic Tales) (Kindle Edition)
February is happy that he has 2older brothers, he can waste his privileged life any way he wants until.....one morning he is informed his dad the king and his 2 older brothers are strangely dead. However no matter how many different officials he asks nobody seems to know where or how they died. Following his coronation he does his best. Little does he know his life is also in jeopardy. A great read
Race through space with a charming young man
By i read alot - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: February The Fifth (The Glothic Tales) (Kindle Edition)
February is happy that he has 2older brothers, he can waste his privileged life any way he wants until.....one morning he is informed his dad the king and his 2 older brothers are strangely dead. However no matter how many different officials he asks nobody seems to know where or how they died. Following his coronation he does his best. Little does he know his life is also in jeopardy. A great read
5.0 out of 5 stars
By Jack Eason
This review is from: February The Fifth (Paperback)
Douglas Adams has reincarnated and is living in Switzerland with wife and dog. Of course he has a new name these days. Its Derek Haines.
Derek's hero February Gregorian, or Feb to his friends has reluctantly been thrust into a position of power as the Supreme Potentate of the Twelve Suns Systems of Gloth which, to say the least, bewilders him. He soon finds that everyone around him within his court of advisors, The Grand Council, want to get rid of him to end his family (the Gregorians) long held grip as the rulers of the known universe from their seat of power on the home planet Gloth.
In his hilarious novel ‘February The Fifth’ Derek Haines takes up where Douglas Adams left off by creating a totally dysfunctional society inhabited by people like Snurd Humped, Purt Stringly, Lefroy Overload and many more equally preposterous characters. Derek has created a very funny and extremely easy read.
By Jack Eason
This review is from: February The Fifth (Paperback)
Douglas Adams has reincarnated and is living in Switzerland with wife and dog. Of course he has a new name these days. Its Derek Haines.
Derek's hero February Gregorian, or Feb to his friends has reluctantly been thrust into a position of power as the Supreme Potentate of the Twelve Suns Systems of Gloth which, to say the least, bewilders him. He soon finds that everyone around him within his court of advisors, The Grand Council, want to get rid of him to end his family (the Gregorians) long held grip as the rulers of the known universe from their seat of power on the home planet Gloth.
In his hilarious novel ‘February The Fifth’ Derek Haines takes up where Douglas Adams left off by creating a totally dysfunctional society inhabited by people like Snurd Humped, Purt Stringly, Lefroy Overload and many more equally preposterous characters. Derek has created a very funny and extremely easy read.
By Mary Crocco
This review is from: February The Fifth (Paperback)
February The Fifth, is the first book I have read by Derek Haines. It was an easy read with slight touches of science fiction and comedy throughout. There was no shortage of characters, some of whom the reader would most definitely relate to thereby making the book more enjoyable.
I think young adults would be the target audience for Derek’s book. The learning curve for the characters unexpected responsibility and out of this world (literally) adventures would be enjoyed most by middle-school age children. I can picture the variety of favorite characters and the children’s reasoning for their choices as a productive writing project. The book is rich with description for both characters and places that would undoubtedly spark children to improve their writing skills. What a great compliment to an author!
As an adult and inspiring writer, I was greatly impressed with the ending. Derek’s words in his last paragraph, his last two sentences, could not have been written more perfectly to end this entertaining story.
The most loyal of loyal readers.
The Very End
Book review by Mary Crocco
www.mrc-bookreviewer.blogspot.com
This review is from: February The Fifth (Paperback)
February The Fifth, is the first book I have read by Derek Haines. It was an easy read with slight touches of science fiction and comedy throughout. There was no shortage of characters, some of whom the reader would most definitely relate to thereby making the book more enjoyable.
I think young adults would be the target audience for Derek’s book. The learning curve for the characters unexpected responsibility and out of this world (literally) adventures would be enjoyed most by middle-school age children. I can picture the variety of favorite characters and the children’s reasoning for their choices as a productive writing project. The book is rich with description for both characters and places that would undoubtedly spark children to improve their writing skills. What a great compliment to an author!
As an adult and inspiring writer, I was greatly impressed with the ending. Derek’s words in his last paragraph, his last two sentences, could not have been written more perfectly to end this entertaining story.
The most loyal of loyal readers.
The Very End
Book review by Mary Crocco
www.mrc-bookreviewer.blogspot.com
4.0 out of 5 stars
When in Rom...
By Bitsy Bling "Bitsy Bling Books"
This review is from: February The Fifth (Paperback)
What happens when a privileged son too low in the royal family line to be important but nonetheless still a royal, finds himself thrust towards responsibility? He goes on an galactic journey to discover where he comes from, who he is, and what he must do to become the man to lead. You ask how does an acne-faced, body odor plagued, lazy-eyed kid manage this enormous task?
With the help of lizard pilots, three wise sisters, and a few other misfits tossed in for good measure. Feb, as he is called by his friends, travels the galaxy to find his way back to the beginning, literally, his family's beginning. Along the way there is lots of eating and time for three-handed Canasta with a small side of romance, but only for his sisters. Feb's got bigger things to worry about like governmental over-throws and civil unrest. This comedic sci-fi tale touches on themes of power, origins, privilege, morality and even cleverly makes use of historical details (a bonus in my department). It plays with language which establishes a unique tone and style. Moments remind me of what it might be like if Dr. Seuss wrote The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
I mean this as a compliment (in case you were wondering). It's simplicity makes it complex. For example, the bluest of the blue and the blackest of the black. There are times when writers try too hard to describe something: a color, the weather or a feeling. Sometimes, it is just blue, deep blue, royal blue or the bluest of the blues. I laughed, had fun, remembered all the characters because of their crazy names and even thought about how the author invented them -- most importantly, I think I learned something!
And by the way, if you ever find yourself visiting Erde, I recommend the salmon and when in Rom, well, eat the pasta!
When in Rom...
By Bitsy Bling "Bitsy Bling Books"
This review is from: February The Fifth (Paperback)
What happens when a privileged son too low in the royal family line to be important but nonetheless still a royal, finds himself thrust towards responsibility? He goes on an galactic journey to discover where he comes from, who he is, and what he must do to become the man to lead. You ask how does an acne-faced, body odor plagued, lazy-eyed kid manage this enormous task?
With the help of lizard pilots, three wise sisters, and a few other misfits tossed in for good measure. Feb, as he is called by his friends, travels the galaxy to find his way back to the beginning, literally, his family's beginning. Along the way there is lots of eating and time for three-handed Canasta with a small side of romance, but only for his sisters. Feb's got bigger things to worry about like governmental over-throws and civil unrest. This comedic sci-fi tale touches on themes of power, origins, privilege, morality and even cleverly makes use of historical details (a bonus in my department). It plays with language which establishes a unique tone and style. Moments remind me of what it might be like if Dr. Seuss wrote The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
I mean this as a compliment (in case you were wondering). It's simplicity makes it complex. For example, the bluest of the blue and the blackest of the black. There are times when writers try too hard to describe something: a color, the weather or a feeling. Sometimes, it is just blue, deep blue, royal blue or the bluest of the blues. I laughed, had fun, remembered all the characters because of their crazy names and even thought about how the author invented them -- most importantly, I think I learned something!
And by the way, if you ever find yourself visiting Erde, I recommend the salmon and when in Rom, well, eat the pasta!
4.0 out of 5 stars
Something unique By Vivo
This review is for: February The Fifth
This is the third book I have read by Derek Haines, and clearly he is working on developing a unique style. His ability to convey the depth of this witty and intricate story in a very easy, and unadorned style, makes February the Fifth a most enjoyable read. I recognised this when I read Milo Moon, but in this book I think he has really found his mark.
Endearing you to his characters without long passages of description keeps the story moving at a pace. He seems to have a particular liking for his character Snurd Humped though, as he gets more attention than most characters in descriptive passages.
I don't think it is a sci-fi story at all. The author simply used it as a pretext for telling a wonderful story about Feb, the main character. He used fantasy settings to invent wonderful names for his characters and to convey his very personal views on the world. Sometimes, he even becomes a gastronomic critic of the unreal!
Derek Haines plays with some crazy ideas in his head and lets his vivid imagination go wild.
Very enjoyable!
